Andrew and Claire have conducted their relationship over Skype and the phone for the last three years

“Of course, I was grateful to be alive but recovering from such a devastating diagnosis, and intensive surgery, was very tough and I often felt low and alone.”

In 2011, Claire set up a website called ‘Aunty M Brain Tumours’ to offer advice and support to fellow brain tumour sufferers and survivors, and in 2013 began volunteering at a local radio station, presenting a weekly show.

It was there she met Andrew, a musician, who was in the UK filming a documentary about his own battles with cancer.

Claire is crowdfunding the cost of her trip and hopes to be with Andrew in time for Valentine’s Day

“He came on my show to talk about his experience of having survived two brain tumours, and there was an instant connection between us,” says Claire.

“It wasn’t just the fact we had both had brain tumours at a young age, we had a shared love of music, and I thought he was incredibly handsome and funny. We bonded instantly, he understood what I’d been through.

“I’m sure some people thought, having just got my life back on track after my own brain tumour, that it was crazy to fall for someone who’d been so sick as well. But I just couldn’t help the feelings I had for him.”

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Four months later Claire visited Andrew in the States, soon after he had been diagnosed with his third tumour.

“We realised then how hard it was going to be for us to be together. Neither of us had the money to keep flying back and forth between the UK and America, and we both had ongoing health problems so needed to be in our home countries, moving wasn’t an option,” says Claire.

Claire was joined on her local weekly radio show by Andrew when he visited Britain to talk about his condition

“We resolved to stay close friends, but despite both of us dating other people in the last three years, we just keep coming back to how we feel about one another. That connection we had has never faded, despite the distance.”

When Andrew revealed to Claire that a fourth tumour has been discovered in his brain, she promised to find a way to be with him.

“He’s waiting for biopsy results at the moment, so his doctors can work out the best way to treat him. He’s very weak and tired, relying on a walking stick to get around. It’s so hard being so far away from him,” says Claire.

“It’s three years this month since we were last together, but I hope we’ll be reunited soon, if I can just raise enough money.”